They said today: "Opinion here indicates that the administration
is behind the runoff, expects Karzai to win, which will in their view
legitimize the government in order that McChrystal's request for more
troops can be granted. It's a script totally detached from reality.
There's still no real plan except the military option. Washington
apparently doesn't think public opinion in Afghanistan matters. Afghans
here are all appalled by Karzai, but feel entirely left out of the
process set up by the Bush gang. Afghans won't accept the verdict on
Karzai no matter which way it comes in. The government insiders here
are terrified that the whole thing between Pakistan and India will soon
blow wide open. They're beginning to refocus on the regional collapse
now underway but just don't know what to do about it. ...

"The focus on al Qaeda is all wrong. Queeta Shura of Mohammed Omar
is now far more powerful with connections of its own in the Middle
East. Their religious mission overpowers their political one and is
drawing support from everywhere. The situation in the north is growing
worse. Russians are very worried that a path is opening up for Taliban
in the Northern provinces. Lots of fighting. Punjabi extremists are
fighting in Helmand. Very bad sign that Pakistan is out of control."

###

A nationwide consortium, the Institute for Public Accuracy (IPA) represents an unprecedented effort to bring other
voices to the mass-media table often dominated by a few major think tanks. IPA
works to broaden public discourse in mainstream media, while building communication
with alternative media outlets and grassroots activists.

Further

Academics are increasingly, ingeniously fighting back against an Orwellian "Professor Watchlist" aimed at exposing "radical" teachers. The list has inspired online trolls to name their own suspects - Albus Dumbledore, Dr. Pepper, Mr. Spock - and a Watchlist Redux to honor not trash targets from Jesus to teachers daring to "think critically about power." Now 100 Notre Dame professors have asked to join the list in solidarity, proclaiming, "We wish to be counted among those you are watching."